Hardly the bridge between the mid-level commuter auto and the entry-level luxury family car that it once was, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta S nevertheless offers a ton of value. A roomier c...
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Hardly the bridge between the mid-level commuter auto and the entry-level luxury family car that it once was, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta S nevertheless offers a ton of value. A roomier cabin and 15 cubic feet of trunk space combines with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, remote power door locks and power windows, as well as telescoping tilt-wheel steering for a presentable setting of form and function. Add in standard air conditioning and a single-CD player with four speakers, and such options as Bluetooth communications technology, front and rear carpeted floor mats and an auxiliary iPod interface to behold a 5-passenger midsize sedan of at least adequate endowment for a pleasantly affordable price. To top it all off, the Jetta S trim still retains at least a modicum of the heady agility that made it a hoot to drive.

Powering the 2012 Jetta S is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (I4) that mates with a standard 5-speed manual transmission for 115 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, as well as 24 mpg city/34 highway. This front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) base trim is also eligible for an available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with driver-selectable sport mode that gets 23/29.

Standard safety equipment aboard the 2012 Jetta S includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and electronic stability control (ESC). Standard occupant protection consists of front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and a front head-restraint whiplash protection system. Daytime running lights and a post-collision safety system, meanwhile, top off the list of standard safety features.

Amped up just a bit from its more plebian S sibling, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE offers a competent 5-passenger midsize sedan at a comfortable price. This roomy VW comes complete with ...
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Amped up just a bit from its more plebian S sibling, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE offers a competent 5-passenger midsize sedan at a comfortable price. This roomy VW comes complete with 15-inch steel wheels and a 15-cubic-foot trunk, as well as standard leatherette upholstery and a rear-seat, center pass-through armrest with storage. An overhead and center console with storage complements telescoping tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and cruise control, while the standard MP3-compatible single-CD player with 4 speakers provides some easy listening on the often hard journey. Options in the SE include Bluetooth hands-free communications, front and rear carpeted floor mats and an auxiliary iPod interface connection.

Tolerably agile and quick, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Jetta SE sports a 170-hp 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder powerplant that combines with the standard 5-speed manual transmission for 177 lb-ft of torque and 23 mpg city/33 highway. An available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with driver-selectable sport mode can be delivered with this midsize to get an estimated 24/31.

Even though it lacks the cachet of previous, Golf-inspired generations, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV nevertheless adds value and appeal – at least for the U.S. consumer – to this p...
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Even though it lacks the cachet of previous, Golf-inspired generations, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV nevertheless adds value and appeal – at least for the U.S. consumer – to this popular compact sedan. This front-wheel-drive (FWD), 5-passenger family auto sees its powerplant tweaked to conform to rigid California emissions standards, thus its PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status, yet the standard 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine (I5) and accompanying 5-speed manual transmission still offer 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Mileage estimates with the 5-speed stick shift, meantime, run to 23 mpg city/33 highway. An available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission that includes a driver-selectable sport mode is also offered for the SE PZEV, with mileage estimates of 24/31. Sportiness hasn’t been totally engineered out of the 2012 Jetta lineup, but the switch from a multilink rear suspension to a torsion-bar setup does driving excitement no favors.

Despite a slide in cabin quality and overall performance, the 2012 Jetta SE PZEV still manages to provide at least a nod toward basic design efficiency and creature comfort. Heated power-adjustable mirrors and 16-inch steel wheels, as well as leatherette upholstery, height-adjustable front seats and a folding, pass-through rear center armrest top the list of standard appearance, comfort and convenience features. Add in standard telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, air conditioning and front and rear floor mats, and this midsize 4-door looks better and better. Standard entertainment, meanwhile, consists of an MP3-capable single-CD player with 4 speakers, while appearance and interior options include splash guards, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, carpeted floor mats and a rear spoiler.

Lording it over its lesser green-leaning siblings, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV w/Convenience adds a few additional goodies to the standard features list. The Convenience package e...
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Lording it over its lesser green-leaning siblings, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV w/Convenience adds a few additional goodies to the standard features list. The Convenience package equips this midsize 5-passenger sedan with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift knob and Bluetooth hands-free communications for a marginally more liveable cabin, though it’s still far short of previous generations. Then there are the basics, such as leatherette upholstery, power windows, remote power door locks, heated power-adjustable mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, front and rear floor mats, cruise control and air conditioning. Meantime, entertainment features consist of a single-CD player with 6 speakers, and, courtesy of the Convenience package, standard satellite radio, auxiliary iPod interface and a USB connection. Options consist of carpeted floor mats, upgraded 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, splash guards and a rear spoiler.

The ubiquitous 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine (I5) that powers the 2012 Jetta SE PZEV w/Convenience has been poked and prodded to conform to rigid California emissions standards, thus the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) designation. This front-wheel-drive (FWD) 4-door is, therefore, welcome in all fifty states, not to mention the fold of many environmentally conscious families. When mated with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the five-banger puts out 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 23 mpg city/33 highway. An available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with sport mode can also be selected, with mileage slipping to 24/31. Be advised that VW’s switch from a multilink rear suspension to the present torsion-bar rear end in its next-gen Jetta sedan noticeably degrades handling, though ride comfort remains relatively plush.

Amping up the standard bells and whistles in this mid-level Jetta trim, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE w/Convenience offers itself as a value-conscious 5-passenger midsize family sedan. D...
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Amping up the standard bells and whistles in this mid-level Jetta trim, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE w/Convenience offers itself as a value-conscious 5-passenger midsize family sedan. Due to the German automaker’s perception of U.S. market sensibilities, however, this once-formidable 4-door little resembles its Golf-inspired former self in either appeal or performance. Nonetheless, look for 16-inch alloy wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors as part of this 4-door’s exterior appeal, with heated front seats, leatherette upholstery and leather accents, including a leather steering wheel, spiffing up the cabin. Then there are goodies like 15 cubic feet of trunk space and a rear folding center armrest to help with luggage and storage, as well as cruise control, air conditioning and telescoping tilt-wheel steering to ease the journey. Entertainment is via an MP3-compatible 6-CD changer with 6 speakers, satellite radio, USB connection and memory card slot, with Bluetooth hands-free technology also standard. Options, meanwhile, include splash guards, a rear spoiler, upgraded 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and carpeted front and rear floor mats.

The traditional 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine (I5) powers the 2012 Jetta SE w/Convenience, with the standard 5-speed manual transmission helping modulate 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Expect some 23 mpg city/33 highway out of the five-banger with the stick shift, though if the available 6-speed shiftable automatic with sport mode is chosen, look for mileage in the neighborhood of 24/31. The switch from a multilink rear suspension to a torsion-bar setup, alas, degrades what was once a nimble little sedan into a ho-hum commuter car.

Anyhow, standard safety equipment in the 2012 Jetta SE w/Convenience includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Such items as daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system are also included to at least help this steady-if-not-inspiring sedan maintain its traditionally high safety standards.

Toss the popular Convenience package and a sunroof into the enviro-friendly 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV to behold the SE PZEV w/Convenience and Sunroof sub-trim. This airy and feature...
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Toss the popular Convenience package and a sunroof into the enviro-friendly 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV to behold the SE PZEV w/Convenience and Sunroof sub-trim. This airy and feature-laden front-wheel-drive (FWD) midsize sedan sports a tweaked-up 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder powerplant (I5) that conforms to stringent California emissions standards and is ready to roll in all fifty states. The standard 5-speed manual transmission, meanwhile, allows the I5 to put out 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, with mileage in the range of 23 mpg city/33 highway. Additionally, there’s an available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with driver-selectable sport mode that’s a hoot to play with, but drops mileage to 24/31. Alas, as part of its switch from plush to value, VW has replaced the Jetta sedan’s well-wrought multilink rear suspension with a lesser torsion-bar rear end for a noticeable degradation in handling.

Besides the 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, heated front seats, leather accents and upgraded audio components of the Convenience package, as well as the power glass sunroof, the 2012 Jetta SE PZEV w/Convenience and Sunroof offers a boatload of additional amenities. Heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, leatherette upholstery, remote power door locks, power windows, cruise control, air conditioning and rubber front and rear floor mats are among the additional comfort and convenience goodies, with telescoping tilt-wheel steering making life easier on the driver. Notwithstanding a decidedly low-rent cabin ambiance for this generation Jetta sedan, the Convenience package means 6-speaker audio with an MP3-compatible 6-CD changer, satellite radio, memory card slot and a USB connection. Finally, 15 cubic feet of trunk space and a pass-through folding rear center armrest are also included on the list of what this midsize 4-door has to offer. Options, meantime, can include splash guards, a rear spoiler, upgraded 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and carpeted floor mats. Again, in a nod to perceived value sensibilities in the U.S., the next-gen Jetta is burdened with a distinctly low-rent cabin ambiance.

Safety-wise, the 2012 SE PZEV w/Convenience and Sunroof boasts, among the usual collection of occupant protection equipment, standard 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection, just for starters. Then there are standard daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system for some added peace of mind.

Though it’s not your father’s Jetta, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE w/Convenience and Sunroof offers itself as a decent-enough 5-passenger midsize sedan. Stocked with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors and a power glass sunroof, this small 4-door gains a ton of value even as it loses a bit of its previous Euro-luster. Inside, a decidedly low-rent approach to the cabin is mitigated somewhat by the Convenience package’s heated front seats, leather steering wheel and leather-trimmed shift knob, while leatherette upholstery, cruise, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and air conditioning remain from the previous generation. The SE w/Convenience and Sunroof’s 15 cubic feet of trunk space, meanwhile, are bolstered by a rear pass-through folding center armrest, while standard audio components now include an MP3-compatible 6-CD changer with 6 speakers, satellite radio, a memory card slot and USB connection. Bluetooth hands-free technology is standard, with splash guards, carpeted floor mats, upgraded 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler all available as options.

As with its less-endowed siblings, the front-wheel-drive 2012 Jetta SE w/Convenience and Sunroof gets its go from a 170-hp 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine (I5), with the standard 5-speed manual transmission managing 177 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates 23 mpg city/33 highway for this silky, stick-shift five-banger, but if a tad more driving ease is sought, a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with driver-selectable sport mode is also available. Expect an EPA-estimated 24/31 with the 6-speed automatic.

As the flagship trim of the lineup, Volkswagen’s 2012 Jetta SEL comes loaded with standard features. Not only that, 15 cubic feet of trunk space are complemented by a roomier cabin that...
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As the flagship trim of the lineup, Volkswagen’s 2012 Jetta SEL comes loaded with standard features. Not only that, 15 cubic feet of trunk space are complemented by a roomier cabin that boasts what VW claims to be the most expansive rear seat in its class. Then there are the 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats and leather-trimmed shift knob, as well as the telescoping and tilting leather steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls that add a bit more posh to this 5-passenger midsize sedan. More standard cabin goodies include air conditioning, keyless entry and ignition, driver’s seat adjustable lumbar support and the Fender premium 9-speaker, single-CD audio system that’s bolstered by satellite radio, a USB connection and a memory card slot. Topping it all off is a standard hard-drive navigation system with an audio-interfaced touch-screen display, not to mention standard phone pre-wiring and Bluetooth technology. A power glass sunroof is optional for the top-shelf SEL, as are carpeted floor mats, door sills, splash guards and a luggage net.

The standard 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine (I5) powers the 2012 Jetta SEL, allowing a hint of its old agility and quickness. The five-banger is mated with the standard 5-speed manual transmission for 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, while the EPA estimates 23 mpg city/33 highway for the stick-shift version. A 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with the driver-selectable sport mode is also available to this high-end trim and is estimated to get 24/31.

As the high-end trim of Volkswagen’s midsize 2012 Jetta sedan lineup, the SEL PZEV leans a bit greener, but flashes some serious bling. This small midsize offers 5-passenger seating as ...
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As the high-end trim of Volkswagen’s midsize 2012 Jetta sedan lineup, the SEL PZEV leans a bit greener, but flashes some serious bling. This small midsize offers 5-passenger seating as well as 15 cubic feet of trunk space and a pass-through rear armrest with storage. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors and a power glass sunroof decorate the outside, while heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a leather-trimmed tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a leather-trimmed shifter knob put some posh inside this otherwise somewhat bland sedan. On that note, standard cruise control, remote power door locks, power windows, air conditioning and front and rear floor mats also add a bit more to further mask its essentially low-rent interior. Notwithstanding its lessened status overall, this upscale Jetta trim features the popular Fender premium audio system, with a single-CD player and 9 speakers, including a subwoofer bolstered by satellite radio, a memory card slot and a USB connection. Finally, standard Bluetooth hands-free communications also helps ease the trip. Options in the top-shelf SEL PZEV, meantime, include splash guards, a rear spoiler, upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels and a Ground Effects package, as well as a power glass sunroof.

Powering the front-wheel-drive 2012 Jetta SEL PZEV is a 170-hp 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder (I5) engine that’s been molded to conform to rigid California emissions standards. Welcome in all fifty states for its lower emissions and ability to burn low-sulfur gasoline, the SEL thus gains Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) status. Not only that, but this enviro-friendly sedan sports a standard 5-speed manual transmission that manages 177 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 23 mpg city/33 highway. The available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, meanwhile, features a driver-selectable sport mode, with mileage in the range of 24/31.

Take VW’s reworked midsize sedan, jack in a turbodiesel engine and 6-speed stick shift and behold the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. This torque-heavy 5-passenger beauty comes with standard...
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Take VW’s reworked midsize sedan, jack in a turbodiesel engine and 6-speed stick shift and behold the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. This torque-heavy 5-passenger beauty comes with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and rear disc brakes to put it a notch above its SE sibling. The list of standard features continues with leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel mounting cruise and audio controls, a leatherette-trimmed shifter knob and air conditioning for some additional posh, while a few extra convenience features include telescoping tilt-wheel steering and a trip computer. Entertainment and communications aboard the TDI include a 6-speaker single-CD player, satellite radio, phone pre-wiring, auxiliary iPod interface and Bluetooth hands-free technology. Options, meanwhile, include carpeted floor mats, door sills and a cargo net.

Not quite its old self, but nimble nonetheless, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2012 Jetta TDI’s true claim to fame is, of course, its direct-injected 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine and standard 6-speed manual transmission. This potent yet economical combo puts out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 32 mpg city/42 highway. A DSG 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission is also available to the turbodiesel with identical mileage figures.

Such standard safety features as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control, endow the 2012 TDI, as well as the rest of the Jetta lineup. Occupant safety, meantime, consists of front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Topping off the list of standard safety features are daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system.

Unlike its more staid Jetta S-series and TDI brethren, Volkswagen’s reprised 2012 Jetta GLI retains many of the lineup’s GTI-inspired accoutrements. This agile 5-passenger midsize sedan keeps, for instance, the multi-link rear suspension that gives it a sportier drive, yet allows plenty of ride comfort. VW calls this system a sport-tuned suspension and complements it with a potent turbocharged gasoline engine, resulting in a true Euro-style automobile. But this small midsize also comes with a goodly share of features, such as 15 cubic feet of trunk space, 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, the convenient pass-thru folding rear armrest, a leather steering wheel and leather-trimmed shifter knob. Then there are the standard power windows and heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, as well as cruise control, air conditioning and front and rear floor mats. Entertainment comes via a 6-CD changer with 6 speakers, satellite radio, a memory card slot and a USB connection, with Bluetooth hands-free communications also standard. Options, meantime, include splash guards, a rear spoiler, upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels and unique carpeted front and rear floor mats.

Powering the 2012 Jetta GLI is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine that mates with a standard 6-speed manual transmission with transmission hill-holder. This combo puts out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 24 mpg city/33 highway. A 6-speed DSG shiftable auto-manual transmission is also available for this sexy 4-door, with mileage dropping to 21/31.

Throw a standard power sunroof and Touchscreen Premium VIII Sound System into the typical 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and you get the TDI w/Premium trim. This nifty 5-passenger midsize s...
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Throw a standard power sunroof and Touchscreen Premium VIII Sound System into the typical 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and you get the TDI w/Premium trim. This nifty 5-passenger midsize sedan doesn’t quite match the Euro-flair it once had, but it still boasts standard 16-inch alloy wheels, heated power-adjustable mirrors and that nifty sunroof outside, with leather accents, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery and a rear pass-through center armrest doing their best to lift spirits inside. Additional techno-goodies include cruise control, remote power door locks, power windows, air conditioning, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, phone pre-wiring and Bluetooth hands-free communications. Entertainment is delivered by the self-proclaimed Touchscreen Premium VIII Sound System with its touchscreen audio adjustment feature controlling the standard Fender audio group that includes a single-CD player and 9 premium speakers. All of this is, of course, bolstered by satellite radio and a memory card slot and a USB connection. Oh, and for the journeying sort, there’s a hefty 15 cubic feet of trunk space to carry all that extra baggage. Options, meanwhile, consist of splash guards and carpeted floor mats, as well as a rear spoiler, upgraded alloy wheels and a popular Ground Effects package.

The star of the 2012 Jetta TDI w/Premium road show is its 140-hp 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) direct-injected turbodiesel powerplant. Though a tad light on ponies, the turbodiesel mates with the standard 6-speed manual transmission to throw down an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque, quite enough for a quick getaway at every light on the way home from work. And talk about mileage, this nifty diesel four-banger gets 30 mpg city/42 highway with either the stick shift or the available 6-speed DSG auto-manual transmission. Be advised that the entire Jetta lineup is offered in front-wheel drive only.

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI w/Navigation isn’t just another pretty 5-passenger midsize sedan. This turbodiesel-powered small midsize carries more than a few standard bells and whistle...
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The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI w/Navigation isn’t just another pretty 5-passenger midsize sedan. This turbodiesel-powered small midsize carries more than a few standard bells and whistles, stuff like a power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, leather tilting and telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, leather-trimmed shift knob and, not to be missed, 15 cubic feet of trunk space. Add to all this standard power windows, remote power door locks, a pass-through rear center armrest, cruise control, air conditioning and front and rear floor mats and behold way more than just a pretty face. The highly regarded Fender Premium audio system, with 9 speakers, including a subwoofer, also comes standard in the TDI w/Navigation. This sound machine boasts a single-CD player and satellite radio, a USB connection and a memory card slot for some pretty musical muscle to go with standard Bluetooth hands-free communications. Finally, a standard hard-drive-based touchscreen navigation system is what distinguishes the TDI w/Navigation from its lesser siblings. Meantime, options for the Jetta TDI w/Navigation include carpeted floor mats, splash guards, a Ground Effects package, upgraded and upsized wheels, and a rear spoiler.

Let it not be said that the front-wheel-drive-only 2012 Jetta TDI w/Navigation is underpowered. A torque-laden 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) direct-injected turbodiesel powerplant combines with a standard 6-speed manual transmission for 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, as well as for a pump-passing 30 mpg city/42 highway. Now that’s pretty. But wait, there’s also a well-received DSG 6-speed shiftable auto-manual transmission available that includes a driver-selectable sport mode. Thus drivers can toy with the shifter using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters or just put it in drive and still get that slick 30/42.

Pack the Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system, a power sunroof and a hard-drive-based navigation system into the turbodiesel 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI to behold the TDI w/ Premium and ...
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Pack the Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system, a power sunroof and a hard-drive-based navigation system into the turbodiesel 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI to behold the TDI w/ Premium and Navigation trim. This economical 5-passenger sedan also boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, remote power door locks, power windows and heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors, as well as cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, phone pre-wiring and Bluetooth hands-free communications. There’s also a handy rear folding pass-through armrest complementing one of the roomiest back seats in its class, not to mention 15 cubic feet of trunk space ready to carry stuff on the long haul. Finally, the standard Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system is bolstered by a single-CD player with 9 Fender premium speakers, a USB connection and a memory card slot. Options, meantime, include carpeted front and rear floor mats, splash guards, a rear spoiler and upgraded 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Powering the front-wheel-drive 2012 Jetta TDI w/Premium and Navigation is a finely wrought 2.0-liter direct-injected turbodiesel inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant that mates with the standard 6-speed transmission for 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Expect mileage in the area of 30 mpg city/42 highway with this economical stick-shift sedan, with identical mileage figures even if the available 6-speed DSG shiftable auto-manual transmission is selected.

For 2012, Volkswagen has decided to revive its popular Jetta GLI lineup. This is more like the peppy, agile, almost luxurious Jetta dad used to commute to work in style, or to take the ...
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For 2012, Volkswagen has decided to revive its popular Jetta GLI lineup. This is more like the peppy, agile, almost luxurious Jetta dad used to commute to work in style, or to take the family to grandma's with élan. VW’s 5-passenger midsize sedan boasts, in addition to the nifty multi-link rear suspension, turbocharged gasoline engine and 15 cubic feet of trunk space, standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, rear folding center arm rest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed shift knob. It also features cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows and heated outside mirrors, as well as a cooled cabin storage compartment. Entertainment, meantime, is presented by the Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system that flaunts a 6-CD changer and 9 speakers and is controlled, obviously, using a handy 7-inch LCD screen in the dash. The Premium VIII system is bolstered by satellite radio, a memory card slot and a USB connection, with standard Bluetooth technology providing handy on-the-road communications. Options, though sparse, include splash guards, a rear spoiler, unique carpeted floor mats and upgraded alloy wheels.

Volkswagen throws its GTI-inspired 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant into the 2012 Jetta GLI Autobahn and matches it with the standard 6-speed manual transmission (with transmission hill-holder) for 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 6-speed DSG shiftable auto-manual transmission available for this nifty sedan. Mileage with the 6-speed stick is estimated at 24 mpg city/33 highway, but drops to 21/31 with the 6-speed auto-manual.

A poke here and a prod there to the standard turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant begets the emissions-friendly 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV. But just because this ...
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A poke here and a prod there to the standard turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant begets the emissions-friendly 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV. But just because this 5-passenger midsize sedan runs greener doesn’t mean it skimps on standard features. A power glass sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors adorn the outside of this nimble 4-door, while leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, rear folding center armrest, a leather steering wheel and leather-trimmed shift knob put a bit of posh inside. Also look for standard power windows and remote door locks aboard this family-oriented midsize, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control with cooled cabin storage bin, cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. The popular Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system, meantime, with a 6-CD changer and 9 speakers, is bolstered by satellite radio, a memory card slot and a USB connection. Options, though a tad accessory-minded, include splash guards, a rear spoiler, carpeted floor mats and upgraded alloy wheels.

The tweaked 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine is the star of the 2012 Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV show. Combined with the standard 6-speed manual transmission with the hill-holder feature, this peppy I4 flaunts 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque at an estimated 24 mpg city/33 highway. Should the available DSG 6-speed shiftable auto-manual transmission be selected, look for mileage to drop into the range of 21/31. In any case, this enviro-friendly GLI is welcome in all fifty states due to its greener Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) status, and its multi-link rear suspension system gives it an edge over its less agile next-gen Jetta brethren in pure driving pleasure and excitement.

Included in the list of standard safety features for the 2012 GLI Autobahn PZEV are 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and front side-mounted airbags. Further standard safety features include daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system.